Summary
- Georgetown transfer Cooper Blomstrom gives Arizona a hybrid linebacker/edge piece; Danny Gonzales considers his edge technique more advanced than Riley Wilson's was at the same stage last year, though Blomstrom still needs reps as an interior blitzer.
- Blomstrom's progress off the ball lets Arizona disguise pressure and coverage from its big and speed versions of a 20-personnel defensive package. Everett Roussaw and Chase Kennedy can fill similar movable roles.
- The scheme intentionally gives the hybrid player freedom to defeat blockers with leverage, stack-and-shed, dip/rip or inside movement rather than a single assignment rule, placing a premium on instinct and matchup recognition.
- Blomstrom says increased playbook comfort late in camp has allowed him to play faster, improving the viability of Arizona's multiple pre-snap looks.